Foot bath



Oct. 13, 1953 c VAN U 2,654,894

FOOT BATH Filed March 14, 1952 FIG. I

Jnnentor 40 0. M. G. Van Duck 20 D I M E attorney) Patented Oct. 13,1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FOOT BATH Charles M. G. Van Dijck,Antwerp, Belgium Application March 14, 1952, Serial No. 276,610

4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to bathing apparatus which may be employed asfoot baths.

An important object of the invention is to provide a bathing apparatusincluding a tub, having a discharge port and housing a grid structure ofliquid spraying conduits which, when actuated by the occupants body,either automatically closes or opens the port.

Another important object is to provide, in such a grid structure, forthe discharge from the conduits of one or more liquids, without mixingthe liquids prior to discharge.

A further important object is to provide, in a bathing tub, a structurewhich will cause a spray of liquid within the tub followed, if desired,by a turbulence in the sprayed liquid filling the tub.

Yet another important object is to provide a novel pedal associated withthe grid structure for aiding in actuating the latter.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following detailed description of the invention, takenin connection with the accompanying drawing, forming a part of thisdisclosure and in which drawing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the new bathing apparatus, portions ofthe walls of the tub thereof being broken away so as to betterillustrate the grid structure and other parts within the tub.

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of a manifold of the gridstructure, substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinal section of another manifold of thegrid structure, substantially on the line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section of the grid structure, substantially on theline 44 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section of the central portion of the gridstructure with the structure depressed and a discharge port closed.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical transverse section of two pipes of thegrid structure, substantially on the line 66 of Fig. 1.

In the drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown apreferred embodiment of the invention and wherein similar referencecharacters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views,the letter A designates the new bathing apparatus as a whole andcomprising a receptacle or tub B; liquid distributing means C within thereceptacle or tub B; means D to conduct one liquid to the means C; meansE to conduct another liquid to the means (3; means F to move the means 0to open orclose a discharge port of the receptacle or tub B; and means Gto assist in moving the means C.

The bathing apparatus A may be employed as a foot bath and may beportable or fixed.

Preferably, the receptacle or tub B is rectangular with two oppositeupstanding walls [0 and II joining two opposite upstanding walls 12 andI3 which four walls, with a bottom wall I4, define a chamber I5 havingan upwardly opening mouth. Legs l6 may be provided to elevate the bottomwall above any suitable conventional supporting surface (not shown), sothat the bottom wall is substantially horizontal. The receptacle or tubmay be of sheet metal and be provided, in the bottom Wall 14, with adischarge or drainage port I! communicating with a conventionaldischarge conduit l8 carried beneath the wall M.

The liquid distributing means C comprises a movable or rockable gridstructure of two sub stantially paralleling, elongated, spaced-apartmajor manifolds and 2|, a minor manifold 22 associated with the manifold20 and a plurality of elongated spaced-apart conduits connecting one oranother of the manifolds, as will be described, and forming (l) agrid-like connection of the manifold, (2) liquid conduits, (3) partialsupports for the means G, and (4) means to cooperate with a part of themeans F so as to prevent accidental shifting of the grid structure intwo directions.

As shown particularly in Figs. 1 and 2 the manifolds 20 and 22 comprisetwo tubular sections with the major manifold 29 provided with one endwall 25 and may have an opposite end wall 26, while the minor manifold22 may be of the same diameter as that of the manifold and have a wall21 at one end and be joined, at its other end, to the end wall 26 as bywelding, soldering or the like. Thus, there is provided a chamber 28 inthe manifold 26 and a chamber 28 in the manifold 22.

In the manifold 28 are a plurality of spaced apart outlet openings orports 29 disposed in a row longitudinally of the manifold 20 and anoutlet opening or port 30 in the manifold 22, with the axes of all theopenings 29 and 30 intersecting a straight line, paralleling thelongitudinal axis of the two manifolds 26 and 22. In each manifold 20and 22 is an upwardly-opening inlet opening or port 3| and 32respectively.

The manifold 2|, shown particularly in Figs. 1 and 3, is a tubularsection provided with end walls 35 and 36 and its overall length issubstantially the same as the combined overall lengths of the manifolds2B and 22. It is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart outletopenings or ports 31 and an inlet opening or port 38 arranged in astraight row longitudinally of the manifold 2|. The positions of theopenings 31 are staggered with respect to the openings 29 but theopening 38 is directly opposite the opening when the three manifolds areassociated as will be described.

As maybe seen. in Figs. 1, 2 and: 3, there are provided a plurality ofelongated substantially paralleling, spaced-apart conduits or lateralsand 4|, connecting the manifolds 20 and 2| and with the alternateconduits 40 opening into theports 29 and closed by the wall of themanifold 2| at their other ends, while the conduits 4 open into theports 31 and are closed at their other ends by the wall of the manifold20'. Preferably, except for the end conduit 49 which has one; row ofspaced apart discharge openings 42, the other conduits 4.0 have two.rows of spaced apart discharge. openings 42. all. arranged. to.discharge liquid outwardly and upwardly}.

There is an elongated conduit or lateral 4,3 which Opens tov the ports.30,. and. 3.8 and may. be welded or soldered to. the manifolds 2| and,22..

The means D. to conduct one liquid to the meansC. may comprise anupstanding conduit. opening at its lower end into.- theinlet. opening 3|and joined at its. other end to a. flexible (as rubber). tube. orconduit 46 which. is joined to a, conduit. 47 in. which is interposed aconventional. hand operated valuve 4.8,. The conduit 41 may lead to asuitable. supply of liquid.

Except that the means E conducts liquid tothe manifold 22, of the meansC by way of, an. up.- standing conduit 50, opening. to the inlet, open,-ing 32, the means E is preferably like the means. D and includes aflexible tube 5|, conduit. 52 and, valve. 53.,

Meansf! to move. the means. C. to. open or, close the discharge port [.1is shown particularly in, Figs) 1,, 3,, 4 and 5, and includes, thespaced-apart bearings. 55 of Figs. 1,4 and 5 each of which comprises, abearing block 55, secured in any approved way asby welding, soldering orthe use ofscrews to the. bottom wall M and having an upwardlyopeningarcuate recess. toreceivea portion of the. manifold 29,, and a cap, 5'!having an arcuate recessto. receive anad-jacent portion of the manifold20, with securing means 58 as nut. and, boltv assemblies to detachablysecure the block 55 and cap 51, together, so that the manifold 25. mayrotate in. the. bearings 55.. It, will be noted. in Fig. 1 that. thewidth of each bearing 55 is, very slightly less than. the nearestdistance two; ad.- jacent. conduits 4|. are. spaced apart ancL, thus,the. bearings. 5.5 and these adjacent conduits pre.- vent longitudinalshifting of the manifold 2.0 and. consequently, shifting of the entiregrid. structure in two; directions.

The means F also includes the resilient structure of Figs. 1, 3 and 4.This structure preferably. comprises two expansion spiral springs. 59with their lower endsseated in the sockets of:up standing socketedmembers 60 secured to the bottom wall beneath the manifold 2| and theirupper ends. extending into. the sockets of socketed members. 5| securedto the manifold, 2|. These members 5|. may include clamps to beremovably clamped aboutthe manifolds 2| by means of nut and boltassemblies 62. Thus, the springs 59 urge the manifold 2| upwardly toswing inan arc with therest of the-grid structure;

. Isl-1e means F also includes a. closure or pl 63 shown in Figs. 1, 3and 5, secured to the central part of the manifold 2| to extenddownwardly therefrom and with the discharge port I! disposed in the pathof travel of the free or lower end portion of this closure as themanifold 2| descends, so that this port may be closed, as in Fig. 5.

It has been found very desirable to provide the means G to assist inmoving the means Q. The means G preferably com-prises liwo, pedals; orfoot sole-receiving members, each of which has an upwardly slantingportion 65 with its lower end having two arcuate recesses to accommodatethe upper. portions of two adjacent conduits 40 and 4|, a foot engagedportion 66 extending at one end! from the upper end of the portion 65,and a portion 61. slanting downwardly from the other end of the portion66, between two adjacent con- (1111115141 and 4| to rest upon the bottomwall l4. These means G may be disposed as most convenient for theoccupant. of the new bathing a-pparatus since they may be. moved nearertogether or fartherapart.

In use, the occupant, or attendant. opens either or bothvalves 48. and53, If. only the valve 48. is, opened, the liquid (preferably underpressure) from. the conduit. 4.11 will flow into, the. manifold 2.0 andconduits 4D to be discharged from the discharge openings 42 inthelatten, At. this; time (or at a desired. time.) the. occupant,-places his. feetupon the portionsfifi of the meansF depress-- ing theend of the grid structure containing the: plug. or closure. 63 until.the. plug closes the, discharge, port, Several steps. may follow,Firstly, the liquid discharge. from the discharge. openings 42 spraysthe. feetof the. occupant then, as. the.- tub, or receptacle B; fills.up the. liquid. immerses, the. feet and the. liquid discharged. from theOpenings 42' causes a turbulence of, theliquid, in. the nature of.swirls, eddies and bubblin clients, all beneficial to certain.treatments. of the, feet.

Of course, if the, occupant raises, his feet from the. portions 5.6,,the springs 59, cause, the.

Y manifold 2| to rise and the plug 63 to open the;

port. H to discharge the liquid in the tub B but this, will not causestoppage of. the. discharge. from. the discharge openings.- 42 of theconduits 411 and. the steps may be repeated. If it is desired. a.ditferent liquid or. a liquid at a. different temperature than. thatdischarged. from. the. conduits 4.0,,v be employed in conjunction with,or instead of the discharged liquid mentioned, then the valve 53 may beopened and liquid preferably under pressure from the conduit 52, willflow into thev manifold, 22., through the. imperforated. conduit 43,into the manifold, 2| and through the conduits. 4| to, be, dischargedfrom their openings 42.1,

It. is now clear. that-the degree: of turbulence of the liquid may beincreased by opening both. valves. 4.8 and.v 53, or they (either ofthem); may be rhythmatically opened and closed to provide surges of theliquid.

Various, changes may-be. made to the form. of the invention: hereinvshown and, described with. out, departing from the. spirit of theinvention or scope of the. claims...

What is claimed is:

1. A foot bath including, a. stationary tub having-a bottom wallprovided with a, tub drain port rock-able means within the. tub toreceive. liquid and discharge the liquid into the tub including aplurality of spaced-apart rigid conduits; a foot sole-receiving memberhaving anupwardly-extendingportion. provided with a pair of arcuaterecesses accommodating portions of two adjacent conduits, a footsole-receivin portion extending from an end thereof to form an obtuseangle and a portion extending downwardly from the other end thereof,disposed. between said two adjacent conduits, and with its lower endresting upon said bottom wall; and means operable upon rocking of saidrockable means to selectively open and close said port.

2. A foot bath including a stationary tub having a tub drain port;rockable means within the tub to receive liquid and discharge the liquidinto the tub including a grid structure having two elongated manifoldsand a third manifold rigid with one of said elongated manifolds, aplurality of elongated conduits, having discharge ports intermediatetheir ends, opening into only one of said elongated manifolds and rigidwith both of said elongated manifolds, a plurality of elongated conduitshaving discharge ports intermediate their ends, opening into only theother of said elongated manifolds and rigid with both manifolds, and aconduit rigid with said third manifold and the other of said elongatedmanifolds opening into said third manifold and said other of saidelongated manifolds; and means operably upon rocking of said rockablemeans to selectively open and close said port.

3. A foot bath including a stationary tub having a drain port; rockablemeans within the tub to receive liquid and discharge the liquid into thetub including a grid structure having two elongated manifolds and athird manifold rigid with one of said elongated manifolds, a pluralityof elongated conduits, having discharge ports intermediate their ends,opening into only one of said elongated manifolds and rigid with both ofsaid elongated manifolds, a plurality of elongated conduits havingdischarge ports intermediate their ends, opening into only the other ofsaid elongated manifolds and rigid with both manifolds, and a conduitrigid with said third manifold and the other of said elongated manifoldsopening into said third manifold and said other of said elongatedmanifolds, means rockably supporting said rockable means including abearing for one of the elongated manifolds and having a width veryslightly less than the shortest distance separating two adjacentconduits; and means operable upon rocking of said rockable means toselectively open and close said port.

4. A foot bath including a stationary tub having a tub drain port;rockable means within the tub to receive liquid and discharge the liquidinto the tub including a grid structure having two elongated manifoldsand a third manifold rigid with one of said elongated manifolds, aplurality of elongated conduits, having discharge ports intermediatetheir ends, opening into only one of said elongated manifolds and rigidwith both of said elongated manifolds, a plurality of elongated conduitshaving discharge ports intermediate their ends, opening into only theother of said elongated manifolds and rigid with both manifolds, and aconduit rigid with said third manifold and the other of said elongatedmanifolds opening into said third manifold and said other of saidelongated manifolds; means rockably supporting said rockable meansincluding a bearing for one of the elongated manifolds and having awidth very slightly less than the shortest distance separating twoadjacent conduits, and an expansion spiral spring with one end bearingagainst the other of said elongated manifolds and with the other end ofsaid spring bearing against said tub; and means operable upon rocking ofsaid rockable means to selectively open and close said port including aplug for said port carried by the last-named elongated manifold and withsaid port disposed in the path of travel of said plug when said gridstructure is rocked to compress said spring.

CHARLES M. G. VAN DIJCK.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 643,094 Hensel Feb. 6, 1900 1,025,612 Donovan May 7, 19121,364,891 Schosson Jan. 11, 1921 1,715,043 Oye May 28, 1929 FOREIGNPATENTS Number Country Date 482,613 Great Britain Nov. 26, 1937

